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Los Angeles is once again kicking off the domestic auto show season, and although the severe economic downturn has led GM to move the debuts of the new Cadillac CTS Coupe and Buick Lacrosse to Detroit — the L.A. show will still serve as the launching pad for plenty of exciting sheetmetal.

Dueling for “car of the show” will be the 2010 Ford Mustang and 2009 Nissan 370Z. It’s a clear sign of the times that Ford is launching its new Mustang in L.A. rather than Detroit, which this year will probably be about as upbeat as a state funeral.

Other surefire L.A. highlights include the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible, 2010 Lexus RX, 2010 Ford Fusion, and 2010 Mazda3. On top of that, there will be some goodies on hand for L.A.’s green scene including the electric Mini E, a natural-gas powered Toyota Camry Hybrid, and a fuel-cell Kia Borrego.

Ever since we first saw the car in action with James Bond at the wheel, we wondered how Aston Martin could improve its DBS sports car. Well, it seems the engineers at Gaydon have already found a way and mustered up a few improvements for its newly released flagship. Included in the mix is a revised Touchtronic transmission, an available 2+2 seating configuration, a high-power state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen stereo system, and revised wheel options. Since its inception at last year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Aston Martin offered the DBS only with a six-speed, close-ratio gearbox. After some necessary reworking of the ZF-built Touchtronic transmission used by the DB9, engineers implemented the six-speed automatic into the bigger DBS. For quicker, more responsive acceleration, a shorter final drive was used (3.15:1 to 3.46:1) resulting in a claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 4.3 sec. Adding to the car’s performance and looks are 10-spoke 20-in. aluminum wheels, said to reduce unsprung weight by some 18 lb versus the standard cast-aluminum wheels. As expected, the whole package doesn’t come cheap. Prices for the DBS with six-speed manual begin at $269,000, while in Touchtronic form, the car commands a $273,000 price tag.

Bentley has injected a dose of twin-turbocharged power and style to its Azure convertible in the form of its new Azure T. Take a closer look at the Azure T and you’ll notice its striking resemblance to the recently announced Arnage Final Series edition, which itself has taken much inspiration from the new Brooklands coupe. While the car’s commanding presence will no doubt attract longing glances from the huddled masses, it’s the Azure T’s powerplant that’s guaranteed to make each of its four passengers smile. No changes were made to the Arnage T’s signature 6.75L twin-turbo V-8 and as such, it still produces a stout 500 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque — about 11% more power and 14% more torque than the standard model (450 hp, 645 lb-ft). The brute horsepower and so-called “Bentley wave of torque” send the hefty 5699-lb Azure T to 60 mph in an impressive 5.2 sec. But that’s just the start of all the hairdo-hating fun. Engineers claim that, with the revised six-speed ZF gearbox, the most powerful Azure can attain a top speed of 179 mph.

The BMW 335d sedan and X5 xDrive35d are making their U.S. debut in Los Angeles. The BMWs are powered by the automaker’s first 50-state-legel diesel, a twin-turbo, 3.0L straight-six that delivers 265 hp at 4220 rpm, and a thumping 425 lb-ft of torque between 1750 and 2250 rpm. Driving through a six-speed automatic transmission, BMW claims this engine will propel the 335d from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 sec while delivering 23 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway. Pricing for the 335d, begins at $44,725 including destination. The BMW X5 xDrive35d will be priced starting at $52,025. According to BMW, both vehicles will be eligible for an IRS tax credit: $900 for the 335d, $1550 for the x35d.

Like the 335d, the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d, is powered by the German automaker’s first 50-state-legel diesel. The twin-turbo 3.0L straight-six delivers 265 hp at 4220 rpm and a thumping 425 lb-ft of torque between 1750 and 2250 rpm and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The BMW X5 xDrive35d will be priced starting at $52,025 but will be eligible, according to BMW, for a $1550 tax credit.

The 2010 Ford Fusion brings big changes in the powertrain department, with more to come once Ford’s much anticipated EcoBoost engines finally happen. A majority of Fusions will be equipped with an all-new 2.5L Duratec inline-four, cranking out 175 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque and allowing a 9.5-sec sprint from 0 to 60 mph. Transmission options will include a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Next up the food chain is the midlevel Fusion with a 3.0L V-6 good for 240 hp (250 hp in E85 spec) and 228 lb-ft of torque that knocks 2.5 sec off the 0-to-60-mph run, dropping it to 7.0 sec flat. We don’t have fuel-economy figures yet, but Ford is integrating an “aggressive” fuel shutoff program on deceleration as well as electric power steering, conserving engine power. The top-level 2010 Fusion Sport will feature a 3.5L V-6 (the same unit used in the Flex) that will offer 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Ford says all-wheel drive will be available with the 3.0L and 3.5L six-cylinder engine options. Ford will also be releasing a hybrid version of its 2010 Fusion that the automaker claims can operate in all-electric mode at a cruising speed of up to 47 mph. Ford also claims the Fusion Hybrid will be capable of an average fuel economy rating 5 mpg better than that of the Toyota Camry Hybrid, putting mileage at nearly 40 mpg. The Hybrid will be powered by a 2.5L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor of unspecified output. Ford did mention it has reduced battery size and weight, and has incorporated a simplified cooling system that does not require an extra air-conditioning system as in previous models.

Mostly, the 2010 Ford Mustang is to the 2005-2009 model what the 1994 Fox Mustang was to its Fox-based predecessor, a huge sheetmetal upgrade that was bigger than it looked. The 2010 Mustang retains the 2005’s live rear-axle platform and its V-6 and V-8 engines. Sheetmetal is new below the roof, which has been retained to accommodate the glass roof option added in mid-2008. It’s within millimeters of the outgoing car’s overall length, and the new profile surfacing, including more pronounced wheel openings and the sharp shoulderline, makes the car settle “back on its rear wheels,” says design chief Doug Gaffka.

An upgraded interior reaches for modern standards of fit, finish, materials, and design. Even the handbrake has been shortened so it no longer feels long, spindly, and designed to jab your right ribcage.

The GT engine gets an upgrade, while the V-6’s 4.0L carries on. The 4.6L three-valve V-8 inherits the 2008 Bullitt setup, with a cold-air-intake box, a strut-tower brace, and 15 more ponies and five pound-feet, for 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Like the Bullitt’s, its 3.5-inch exhaust tips are up a half inch in diameter over the outgoing GT’s. The torque curve improves with premium (recommended, but not required) fuel. The new intake sucks in air better than the old, open-air system, for a 0.3-sec improvement in 0-to-60-mph times on a hot street start.

Honda says the driving idea behind the design of the FC Sport Concept was to showcase the possibilities of an electrically driven supercar using a powerful electric motor, perfect weight distribution, and lightweight materials — all while producing zero emissions. American Honda executive vice president John Mendel sums up the concept best: “The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum. People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love them in a hydrogen-powered future.”

Passengers in the FC Sport sit in a triangular pattern, similar to that of the McLaren F1 supercar. The driver sits in the middle of the vehicle, much as does a race-car driver, while two passengers sit behind and to the sides. The fuel cell has been moved from between the driver and passenger seats in the FCX Clarity to between the rear-passenger seats in the FC Sport and is mounted as low as possible to give the car a low center of gravity. The battery pack is also mounted low and amidships, while the electric motor is mounted just ahead of the rear axle. Two hydrogen tanks, likely the same 5000psi units as used in the FCX Clarity, sit directly above the rear axle and cooling radiators for the fuel cell hide in the rear bodywork.Honda claims that when the source and conversion of hydrogen for fuel-cell vehicles are taken into account, the FCX Clarity is responsible for just one-third the well-to-wheel emissions of a gasoline-powered car and half the emissions of a good hybrid. The FC Sport is likely to have a greater range, as well as better performance, than the FCX Clarity, thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials.

Hyundai didn’t bring a finished version of its upcoming Sonata Hybrid Blue Drive to the L.A. Auto Show as we thought it might, but it did bring a mockup of the hybrid system it will be using. Hyundai’s proposed Blue Drive will be a parallel hybrid system utilizing lithium polymer battery power – technology that Hyundai claims will “leapfrog” currently produced nickel-metal hydride batteries by offering more than twice the energy density, 175% greater volumetric energy density, and 30% less weight. The batteries are also said to be more durable and cheaper to produce than lithium-ion batteries.

Hyundai’s Blue Drive hybrid system is comprised of a 2.4L Theta II engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and a 30kW electric motor. As a full hybrid powertrain, vehicles using the system – such as the Sonata Hybrid – will be capable of running in either full gasoline, full electric, or combined modes. Start/stop technology will also be employed, while using electric power for steering and air conditioning compressor will help conserve the powertrain’s energy.

The upcoming Sonata Hybrid should appeal to hybrid shoppers who can’t stand the shape of the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight. With Ford claiming the 2010 Fusion Hybrid will achieve mileage at least 5 mpg better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Hyundai should at least match the Camry to compete with those midsize challengers as well as with the Nissan Altima Hybrid and Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The production version of the hybrid Hyundai will benefit from the improvements made as part of the Sonata’s recent refresh.

The G37 hardtop convertible making its debut at the Los Angeles auto show shares the 3.7L 330-hp V-6 engine with the G37 coupe, but has some new sheetmetal. The car’s proportions have been maintained by stretching slightly the length and width. The reworked back end features new taillights and an updated bumper. The rear end is actually higher than the coupe’s, but this is effectively hidden by new sheetmetal and flared fenders. Infiniti is planning on selling 200 special-edition G37 convertibles in Bloomingdale’s holiday catalog for less than $60,000 each. Non-Bloomingdale’s convertibles will sell for much less.

Kia says that the Borrego FCEV features a new hydrogen fuel cell with a 44% higher output than previous generations. The new fuel cell puts out an additional 47 hp, bringing total output up to 154 hp, or 115 kW. The fuel cell is coupled with a 450-volt, 100 kW supercapacitor that can put out 134 hp, and the whole vehicle is driven by a 147-hp electric motor. Kia says the system’s 62% efficiency is the best in its class.

Thanks in part to a curb weight of just 4960 lb, the new-and-improved Borrego FCEV can now hit a top speed of 100 mph and will reach 60 mph from a standstill in 12.8 sec. According to Kia, the Borrego FCEV retains a power-to-weight ratio similar to that of gasoline-powered models. The Borrego FCEV can be equipped with two or three 10,000psi hydrogen tanks and boasts a range of 426 miles with three tanks. Kia estimates the fuel economy will be roughly equivalent to a combined average of 54 mpg.

Like the coupe, the Lamborhini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder loses 44 lb and gets 200 cc added to its V-10 engine — a new, 5.2L aluminum unit with 552 hp, 398 lb-ft on tap. Mated to the updated engine is Lambo’s reprogrammed e.gear six-speed transmission that Lamborghini claims shifts 40% faster in the sportiest “corsa” mode. The improvements led to a claimed 0-to-62-mph time of 4.0 sec and a top speed of 201 mph for the LP560-4 Spyder according to the automaker. At the same time, Lamborghini points out that both fuel economy and CO2 emissions are substantially improved. The outgoing Gallardo Spyder achieved 10/15 mpg with the stick and 10/16 mpg with the e.gear, but the LP560-4 gets 12/20 with the stick and 13/20 with the e.gear. Impressive numbers for a supercar.

The LP560-4 Spyder’s brakes have been upgraded as well. The standard brake system consists of 14.4-in. vented discs with eight-piston Brembo calipers up front and 14.0-in. vented discs with four-piston calipers at the rear.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the Spyder’s roof design. The Gallardo remains a soft-top convertible. Its canvas top opens or closes in just 20 sec, a remarkable contrast to the infamous afterthought top on the Murcilago Spyder. With the top down, the rear glass can be left up to serve as a wind deflector, or it can be folded independently with the top up. Rollover protection is provided via a pair of spring-loaded bars behind the seats that deploy within 250 msec if necessary. According to Lamborghini, the extra flexibility associated with the lack of a fixed roof is compensated for with structural elements within the frame designed to increase rigidity.

Lexus claims that they invented the luxury hybrid with the RX400h in 2005, and they’ve returned to Los Angeles ten years after the introduction of the RX line to reinvent the segment with the all-new 2010 RX350 and RX450h luxury SUVs.

The 2010 Lexus RX450h hybrid is powered by a 3.5L Atkinson-cycle V-6 and the hybrid system receives a new, more powerful inverter that bumps total output to 297 hp, 27 hp more than the outgoing model. 275 hp comes from gasoline engine, with an additional 22 hp coming from the electric motor. In addition to boosting power, Lexus says they’ve also increased fuel mileage by 8%, though they did not give specific numbers. Based on an EPA-estimated 25 mpg average for the outgoing RX400h, the 2010 RX450h should return roughly 27 mpg on average. The RX450h will be available in both 2WD and part-time AWD, with the AWD system returning slightly poorer fuel economy.

The 2010 RX350 features the same 3.5L V-6 engine as its hybrid twin, sans hybrid drive system. Both models feature a redesigned double-wishbone rear suspension that both improves handling and increases rear cargo space by 5% over the previous model. While both vehicles have increased in size, they boast a claimed-segment-best 0.32 coefficient of drag.

New for the 2010 RX models is Lexus’ “Remote Touch” controller for the Hard Disk Drive navigation system, a computer mouse-shaped device on the center console that sits right where your right hand normally rests. The device is similar to a joystick and controls a pointer on the navigation screen. Dedicated Menu, Map and up and down scroll buttons make the device easy to use and Lexus has obviously worked to keep the number of screens to a minimum. The device can also be custom programmed to the level of feedback that the user prefers, allowing drivers to decide how touchy they want the pointer to be.

Like its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan cousins, the new Lincoln MKZ is gaining bolder styling in front and back, which for the 2010 MKZ means a version of the bow-wave, double-wing grille found on the new MKT concept. Much of the sedan’s center section, however, looks similar to that of the 2009 MKZ. Expect a healthy dose of technology in the cabin, including Sync, Sirius Travel Link, and possibly HD radio as well. Ford also plans to expand its lineup of EcoBoost engines over the next few years (with the goal of producing 750,000 annually by 2013), but while the automaker’s 340-hp, 340-lb-ft turbocharged and direct-injected 3.5L V-6 will be available in the new MKS next year, there’s no word on whether the MKZ will get the same treatment — currently the model uses a naturally aspirated 3.5L V-6 good for 263 hp.

The first new Lotus since the introduction of the Elise in 1995, the Evora is being billed by Lotus as the world’s only mid-engine 2+2, but don’t expect to be putting two adults in the back seats. The Evora is powered by a Toyota-sourced 3.5L V-6 massaged by Lotus to produce around 276 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque, which will more than likely move the Evora’s 2976 lb with authority. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Lotus estimates the Evora will hit a max speed of about 160 mph, with the 0-60 mph sprint coming in under 5 sec. Lotus is also billing the Evora as one of its most comfortable and well-appointed models ever, with a cockpit designed to fit drivers up to 6 ft, 5 in. in height, along with numerous creature comforts and cabin appointments you don’t normally find in Lotus’s track-focused vehicles. The goal was to make Evora more of a daily driver than its other offerings.

The first full redesign of Mazda‘s compact sedan in five years, the new Mazda3 obviously takes some cues from the rather dramatic industry changes that have occurred in over the last half-decade. The new car follows much of the current Mazda design philosophy with plenty of scaled-down Mazda6 influence (with a hint of RX-8 thrown in for good measure). The new car is supposed to weigh significantly less than the current Mazda3 — the result of a corporate policy to reduce weight in the Japanese automaker’s lineup, thereby increasing efficiency as well as the driving experience. Engine options are expected to consist of two four-bangers — a 2.0L direct-injection unit that should produce somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 hp and a 2.5L with 167 horsepower. Expect a sweet-shifting six-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic to handle the cog swapping. The 2010 Mazda3 sedan is expected to begin hitting showrooms early next year.

After the Mini E makes its debut here in Los Angeles, 500 of the vehicles will be distributed to customers in California, New York, and New Jersey early next year as part of a pilot project to road-test the car. Select private and corporate customers will lease the cars for one year with the possibility of an extension, during which the Mini Es will be inspected every 3000 miles or six months. Powering the Mini E is a lithium-ion battery containing 5088 cells grouped into 48 modules that can store 35 kW-hrs of electricity and transmit up to 380 volts to the electric motor under maximum acceleration. The 201-hp electric motor is coupled to a single-speed gearbox driving the front wheels with 162 lb-ft of torque. Range is expected to be 150 miles or more.

If you’re considering a 2010 Ford Fusion but want something more exclusive, you might like the 2010 Mercury Milan. Like the new Fusion, the Milan benefits from fresh styling and upgraded powertrain options, starting with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine producing 175 hp. Ford claims a four-cylinder Milan will get better mileage than a Honda Accord and Toyota Camry — a significant claim considering the Fusion and Milan are currently near the bottom of the pack in terms of fuel economy. Performance is improved with the new four as well: 0-to-60-mph times drop by a full second. The turning circle has been shortened by about one foot.

If you don’t want a Milan with the 2.5L four, there’s always the Milan Hybrid and 240-hp 3.0L V-6 Milan. The new Milan is supposedly much quieter than before, thanks to a number of changes including new headliner materials, hood insulators, and more sound deadening in the trunk. Expect to see the Milan lineup in Mercury dealerships next spring.

Nissan has released the first official U.S.-spec photos for the 2009 Nissan cube, the automaker’s latest take on its box on wheels making its world debut at LA. The cube will start rolling on U.S. streets sometime in the spring. Nissan is billing the latest cube as the biggest and best version yet, with loads of new features and a larger cabin.

Powered by the 1.8L inline-four out of the Versa mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT or a six-speed manual transmission, the cube will be available in both front drive or with an all-wheel-drive system Nissan calls e-4WD, which uses a rear-mounted electric motor to drive the rear wheels when the fronts begin to slip (because it eliminates the need for a prop shaft, the e-4WD system provides enhanced interior space). While EPA fuel economy numbers are not yet available, Nissan says that the CVT model will achieve over 30 mpg on the highway. Nissan will offer the cube in in three trims — cube 1.8, cube 1.8 S and cube 1.8 SL — and pricing will be announced closer to its spring showroom arrival.

Nissan finally dropped the sheet on its next-generation Z at the Los Angeles Auto Show, putting to rest all the rumors. Of course, the 2009 370Z Coupe picks up the 3.7-liter V-6 from the Infiniti G37 sedan and coupe, with output bumped up to 332 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5200 rpm. More significant is the 370Z’s compact new shape. With a wheelbase of 100.4 inches and length of 167.1 inches, the new Z is 3.9 inches shorter between the wheels and 2.7 inches shorter overall. Much of the wheelbase was lopped off behind the B-pillar, which should give the Z much tighter handling. At 72.6 inches, the new Z is 1.1 inches wider than the 350Z. Track grows to 61.0 inches front, 62.8 inches rear, with staggered 18-inch wheels.

For such a substantial tweaking in size, the 370Z doesn’t lose much weight over the 350Z. It’s lighter, due to a new aluminum hatchback and door skins, but only by 30 to 50 pounds. Fuel economy for the six-speed manual and the new seven-speed automatic improves to 18/26 mpg for both on the EPA city/highway cycle. With boomerang-shaped headlights and a new front fascia that includes two upswept canine-like structures, the 370Z looks more aggressive. The 350Z’s nose-to-tail beltline is gone. The window line curves up after the door’s trailing edge, creating daylight openings reminiscent of the original 240Z. Heavily sculpted front and rear fenders bookend the shortened wheelbase and revised door handles, while new V-shaped taillights accent the rakish roofline and fastback tail. Inside, the layout remains similar to the previous generation (and original 240Z) with a three-gauge instrument panel and cluster above the center stack. Nissan will offer two models, standard and touring, when the 370Z goes on sale in the spring.

The most interesting option is the Sport Package, which adds 19-inch forged wheels, bigger brakes, and SynchroRev Match-a new engine RPM matching system that throttle blips the manual gearbox on downshifts. Intrigued? So are we.

The venerable 911 is all the evidence one needs to see that Porsche doesn’t mess much with a good thing and it appears that the Zuffenhausen-based automaker is sticking with that philosophy with its revamped 2009 Boxster. Still, small improvements have been made for more power, better driveability, and an updated appearance.

An enlarged 2.9L engine produces 255 hp in the base-model Boxster, while a revised direct-injection 3.4L flat-six in the Boxster S churns out 310 hp. A five-speed manual gearbox is still standard equipment on the Boxster (a six-speed manual is fitted on the Boxster S), but for the first time Porsche is offering a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox as an option. Not only are acceleration and shift speed improved with the dual-clutch transmission, but Porsche claims a 10-15% increase in fuel efficiency to boot.

Stylewise, the front headlamps have been reshaped into near copies of the units found on the Carrera GT supercar, and now integrate the turn signals. The LED taillights have also been revised, the wheels have been widened, and a Lights Package is now available. Inside, a new radio, Porsche Communication System, and enlarged navigation screen all distinguish the 2009 Boxster from its older siblings.

While it is difficult to identify the few visual cues that distinguish the refreshed 2009 Cayman from its predecessors, the changes are more evident underneath the skin.

Porsche has given the 2009 Cayman models the same transmissions and uprated flat-six engines as in the revised Boxster range — only with more power. The 2.9L base engine now produces 265 hp in the Cayman and the 3.4L unit makes a full 320 hp in the Cayman S. Why more power for the closed-top mid-engined car? We’re guessing it has something to do with that car’s increased structural rigidity and stronger focus on performance. Both 2009 Cayman models are also offered with Porsche’s new PDK dual-clutch gearbox for increased fuel economy and performance.

If you’re still wondering what cosmetic differences have been made to the 2009 Cayman, we’ll clue you in. The Cayman and Cayman S get the same styling modifications — including new headlights and taillights — as their open-top siblings, along with a new radio, larger, 6.5-in navigation display, and wider wheels.

Two-and-a-half decades ago, Saab introduced its first convertible to the world, the 900 Turbo Convertible Concept. First revealed at the Frankfurt auto show, the drop-top Saab illustrated the company’s drive to produce a “four-season, four-seat” softtop convertible. Now, near 25 years later, Saab is commemorating this event by introducing the 9-3 Special Edition.

Special to this 9-3 are three colors — Jet Black, Carbon Grey, and Bright Champagne. Power comes from Saab’s standard turbo 2.0L four-cylinder that can be mated to either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual. Some elements have also been borrowed from the Turbo X performance model, including the design of the front bumper and steering wheel, as well as interior bits dressed with carbon fiber. Dual exhaust pipes poke out the back, and the package rides on five-spoke, 17-in. alloys.

Saab customers have always enjoyed a semi-exclusive uniqueness in Saab products. And with an expected MSRP of $46,725 (or $340 more than the turbo V-6 Aero trim), this 9-3 looks to keep that exclusivity. Look for the special edition in dealer showrooms in January 2009.

The C8 Laviolette LM85 is a mid-engine coupe featuring all-aluminum construction, a 4.2L V-8 sourced from Audi good for 400-hp, a manual six-speed gearbox (the Aileron is also available with an automatic), and impressive power-to-weight ration due to its extensive use of lightweight materials. With an exterior based on the Spyker’s GT2 car, the LM85 includes several race-inspired features such as Burnt Almond Orange paint accented by large Gun Metal “S” logos, body color aluminum side mirrors, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, and GT2 windscreen streamer. In addition the car includes black alloy wheels, black AP Racing six-piston brake calipers, and optional LeMans sticker sets.

Spykers are known for their high-end interior appointments, and in this department the LM85 does not disappoint. Covered in black leather and alcantara offset by orange stitching, the car’s instrument panel is made of aluminum, and buyers can select optional Chronoswiss dials and switches that match a complimentary Chronoswiss 24 Hours Pilot watch that comes with purchase. Matching the leather trim, each car also includes black floor mats made from fire-retardant material and finished with orange piping and an embroidered LM85 logo.

While the C8 Laviolette LM85 will come in both left and right-hand drive variants, a maximum total of just 24 will be made in all. Pricing has yet to be announced, but given that the more common C8 Aileron stickers for $313,175, don’t expect a bargain.

Toyota originally introduced a Camry running on compressed natural gas (CNG) back in 1999, but a limited refueling infrastructure (and cheap gas) meant demand for the model was low. Now that commuters are seeking alternative powertrains that save money at the pump, the automaker feels the market for such a vehicle is improving. Details on the new Camry are limited, but the concept combines an internal-combustion engine reworked to run on CNG with the company’s signature hybrid system, which should yield excellent gas mileage with extremely low emissions. That said, some of the impediments to CNG from 1999 still exist today — around 1000 refueling stations are sited nationwide, and just 500 are open to the public. Toyota hopes increasing the availability of CNG will highlight the need for more green infrastructure and provide a model for a future switch to hydrogen.

Following the wildly successful introduction of the Jetta TDI diesel sedan into the U.S. market, Volkswagen is preparing to follow-up with the Touareg TDI, which shares its engine with the previously announced Audi Q7 diesel.

The Touareg TDI is powered by a 3.0L turbocharged diesel V-6 producing 221 hp. and 406 lb-ft of torque. That mountain of torque is available from 1,750 RPM and hustles the Touareg to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds on the way to an electronically-limited top speed of 130 mph. The All-Wheel-Drive Touareg boasts strong fuel economy numbers; 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, according to Volkswagen. Helping the Touareg achieve those numbers is a six-speed automatic transmission.

Volkswagen claims that its 3.0L TDI engine is one of the cleanest six-cylinder engines in the world. Thanks to a Selective Catalytic Reduction catalytic converter and a urea-injection system, Volkswagen says they’ve reduced NOx emissions by 90%. The Touareg TDI has received both BIN5 and ULEV II emissions ratings and is 50-state legal.

After a big win at the Baja 500 last year, Volkswagen is back with the Baja Race Touareg Trophy Truck to compete in the Baja 1000, and this one’s bigger and badder. While the previous Touaregs won their class with 2.5L TDI diesel engines, Volkswagen has outfitted the new truck with a monster 5.5L 12-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine making 550 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque.

The 5,650-pound Touareg will tackle the obstacles of the Baja desert race with a big, beefy suspension with incredible travel. The double A-arm front suspension will travel 25 inches, while the four-link rear suspension travels 30 inches. Fox Racing shocks and Eibach springs will soak up the rough ride while 37-in. BF Goodrich Baja KRT tires provide traction on just about any surface.

Piloting the Touareg in this weekend’s race is veteran Mark Millen. He’ll be backed-up by co-driver Ryan Arciero as they attempt to win the SCORE Trophy Truck Class in the 634-mile race across the Mexican desert.